Public officers will benefit from clear guidance in accessing health care from the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Authority and the Department of Human Resources.

The MOU, signed on June 29, serves as a formal agreement identifying the framework which allows the Department of Human Resources to access medical services from the BVIHSA. These medical services include assessment of public officers who were injured or experienced occupational injuries or illnesses; fitness to work and the establishment of medical boards. The framework will enhance processes to enable better access to care, quality of care and the coordination of health service delivery to public officers on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Health and Safety Coordinator, Mrs. Dawn Leonard said, “As the Department of Human Resources prepares for the launch of the Workplace Health and Safety Policy, it was important to meet with the BVIHSA to discuss and agree on the key deliverables and formalise the agreement, so that our key stakeholders were all on the same page. It also clarifies roles and responsibilities of both parties, thereby facilitating the implementation of processes for the smooth delivery of services.”

Mrs. Leonard also said, “The MOU benefits public officers because it provides clear guidance as it relates to accessing care. This information will be communicated to all public officers through the customary circular.”

The BVIHSA is charged with administering and managing public health institutions throughout the Territory and provides a full spectrum of emergency, inpatient and outpatient services.

Additionally, the Department of Human Resources manages matters pertaining to human resources for the public service which includes overseeing workplace health and safety processes for Government.

Currently, the Department of Human Resources is seeking approval from Cabinet for a Workplace Health and Safety Policy and Procedures Manual intended for general use within the public service of the Virgin Islands. This policy and procedures manual will be built around Section IX (Health, Safety and Welfare Policy) of the Labour Code 2010, and the “Health and Safety Beliefs” established by the Government of the Virgin Islands to ensure health, safety and welfare of its employees. The Policy will call for the implementation of an “Occupational Health and Safety Management System” as prescribed by the International Labour Organisation.